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The NABS Podcast

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Honest conversations about mental wellness and more with inspiring people from across the advertising and media industry.

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  • #46
    August 19 · 34 min

    What makes working in adland so special? With Simon Daglish, Vicky Radcliffe and Sue Todd

    Got a question for The NABS Podcast? Sue Todd, NABS CEO guest hosts this special episode of the NABS Podcast together with two of our industry’s most influential leaders: Simon ‘Dags’ Daglish, deputy managing director of commercial sales at ITV and Vicky Radcliffe, chief investment officer at PHD. What does mental wellness in adland look like right now? Sue, Dags and Vicky discuss the challenges facing our industry, the impact of constant change, and what we can all do to better support each other. They also share their personal connection to NABS, recalling memorable moments and the NABS events that have brought our community together over the years. Key takeaways: Growth can come through adversity, but you don't have to go it alone As rapid technological change hits the industry, confidence-building is as important as skills-building The ad industry has a special spirit of kindness and support that is vital for its future Active involvement in NABS can inspire and strengthen industry bonds NABS Yay List NABS Advice Line NABS workshops NABS Big Bash 2026 NABS Stranger than Summer 2027 Support the show We are NABS. And we're here for you - for the great stuff, the tough stuff and everything in between. As an independent charity, we're set on advancing the mental wellness of our industry and helping everyone find their way forward - wherever they're starting from. 👋 Need a helping hand? We're right here. 🌻 Group workshops or in-house training? Sign up to our sessions. 🤝 Industry events or networking? Check out our calendar. 📞 Sounding board on promotions, redundancies, parental leave - life in general? Here's how we can help. More Find out how you can support NABS Sign up to the NABS newsletter Follow NABS on LinkedIn Watch NABS Talks on YouTube

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  • #45
    July 21 · 43 min

    How freelancers can look after their mental health & their money - with Matthew Knight

    Got a question for The NABS Podcast? Matthew Knight is a freelance strategist and founder of Leapers, an initiative that supports the mental health of freelancers. Matthew is a leader in this field and his award-winning work has supported more than 250,000 freelancers in the last decade, informing policymakers, communities and hirers. Also a single working parent, Matthew somehow found time in his schedule to guest on the NABS Podcast and we're so glad that he did. This is a brilliantly practical and heartfelt chat, with no-nonsense yet empathetic and essential advice for freelancers and hirers of freelancers alike. Key takeaways: Taking care of yourself ensures that you can continue to work - it's a critical piece of your wellbeing Practise the ABC of freelancing mental health: Active Awareness, Behaviours and Boundaries, and Community and Connection. Increasingly, people are turning to freelancing through circumstance, for example redundancy: this makes seeking out support even more important. Resources: Freelance support for freelancers: https://www.freelancing.support/ Mental health support for freelancers: https://www.leapers.co/ Resources for organisations/hirers: https://www.workwellwith.us/ Freelance communities for parents: https://www.doingitforthekids.net/freelance-communities/ NABS Advice Line: https://nabs.org.uk/get-help/ Support the show We are NABS. And we're here for you - for the great stuff, the tough stuff and everything in between. As an independent charity, we're set on advancing the mental wellness of our industry and helping everyone find their way forward - wherever they're starting from. 👋 Need a helping hand? We're right here. 🌻 Group workshops or in-house training? Sign up to our sessions. 🤝 Industry events or networking? Check out our calendar. 📞 Sounding board on promotions, redundancies, parental leave - life in general? Here's how we can help. More Find out how you can support NABS Sign up to the NABS newsletter Follow NABS on LinkedIn Watch NABS Talks on YouTube

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  • #44
    June 24 · 38 min

    From crisis to coach: overcoming late ADHD diagnosis - with Alan Stracey

    Got a question for The NABS Podcast? From crisis to coach: overcoming late ADHD diagnosis t/w: suicide Alan Stracey is an ICF-accredited ADHD coach who leads NABS workshops as well as running his own practice. Alan came to coaching after experiencing the darkest of times, following 20 years in a creative career. A late ADHD diagnosis empowered him to understand himself and drove him to help others in the same situation. Alan brings wisdom and lived experience to this heartfelt chat, along with his fabulously relaxing voice. Key takeaways: Knowing that you've survived the worst of times gives you the strength to handle future challenges ADHDers receive more criticism than most people - try to focus on what you do well to transform your self-esteem Getting a diagnosis as an adult can be affirming and help to remove any sense of shame felt by the individual Resources mentioned in this episode: NABS Advice Line NABS ADHD coaching Alan's LinkedIn post on ADHD and mental health More about Alan Manual of Me Adult ADHD self-screening tool Support the show We are NABS. And we're here for you - for the great stuff, the tough stuff and everything in between. As an independent charity, we're set on advancing the mental wellness of our industry and helping everyone find their way forward - wherever they're starting from. 👋 Need a helping hand? We're right here. 🌻 Group workshops or in-house training? Sign up to our sessions. 🤝 Industry events or networking? Check out our calendar. 📞 Sounding board on promotions, redundancies, parental leave - life in general? Here's how we can help. More Find out how you can support NABS Sign up to the NABS newsletter Follow NABS on LinkedIn Watch NABS Talks on YouTube

  • #43
    May 27 · 38 min

    How to work when your family needs you most – with Xavier Rees

    Got a question for The NABS Podcast? Xavier Rees is AMV Group CEO and one of our industry’s most formidable leaders. His track record in speaking out about mental wellness is as strong as his outstanding career history, demonstrating clearly how senior leaders can be vocal role models for supporting mental wellness. Xavier has spoken previously about supporting his family through challenging times. In this edition of the podcast, he takes a fresh look at how he supported himself while supported others, and vitally how he navigated a new role while assessing his work/life priorities. Xavier also speaks at length about his experiencing overseeing the recent FCB and AMV BBDO merger. With M&A a hot topic in adland right now, Xavier offers brilliant insights into how and why to act quickly to ensure teams feel welcomed, informed and understood. Key takeaways: The bigger the gap between the reality of your situation and the version you’re trying to portray, the greater the space for mental wellness issues to grow. Know the things that will help you to gain perspective, reduce anxiety and feel capable and make time for them to help you get through tough times. In times of change, for example M&A, what people want is transparency, clarity and an understanding of where things are heading. Resources: NABS Advice Line https://nabs.org.uk/get-help/ NABS' TUPE guide https://nabs.org.uk/advice/tupe-guide/ Support the show We are NABS. And we're here for you - for the great stuff, the tough stuff and everything in between. As an independent charity, we're set on advancing the mental wellness of our industry and helping everyone find their way forward - wherever they're starting from. 👋 Need a helping hand? We're right here. 🌻 Group workshops or in-house training? Sign up to our sessions. 🤝 Industry events or networking? Check out our calendar. 📞 Sounding board on promotions, redundancies, parental leave - life in general? Here's how we can help. More Find out how you can support NABS Sign up to the NABS newsletter Follow NABS on LinkedIn Watch NABS Talks on YouTube

  • #42
    April 16 · 42 min

    How AI Can Support Neurodivergent People at Work

    Got a question for The NABS Podcast? Rob Beevers is chief effectiveness and analytics officer at MG OMD. He’s also an ADHDer and hugely insightful about AI, especially on how it affects neurodivergent people – and how we can best use AI to create inclusive teams. Rob combines quick-fire thinking with humour and insight, making this a fascinating and non-stop conversation. Rob’s also one of our mentors on NABS’ Walk and Talk event this summer, so sign up and you could chat with Rob in person. Key takeaways: Societal structures often favour neurotypical people, but it’s time to consider that neurodivergence isn’t an accident – it’s evolved on purpose Late-diagnosed ADHD’ers, such as Rob, can struggle with complex emotions around diagnosis, especially if their children are also ADHD Reasonable adjustments can very much help in the workplace, but workplaces also need to embrace a culture of inclusion where differences are celebrated and built into working practices AI can be used to tailor workflows that work with people’s needs to boost productivity and job satisfaction. Resources: Rob’s Substack NABS Advice Line NABS coaching NABS workshops NABS Walk and Talk Support the show We are NABS. And we're here for you - for the great stuff, the tough stuff and everything in between. As an independent charity, we're set on advancing the mental wellness of our industry and helping everyone find their way forward - wherever they're starting from. 👋 Need a helping hand? We're right here. 🌻 Group workshops or in-house training? Sign up to our sessions. 🤝 Industry events or networking? Check out our calendar. 📞 Sounding board on promotions, redundancies, parental leave - life in general? Here's how we can help. More Find out how you can support NABS Sign up to the NABS newsletter Follow NABS on LinkedIn Watch NABS Talks on YouTube

  • #41
    February 16 · 30 min

    How sharing a challenge showed the strength in community - with James Cornish

    Got a question for The NABS Podcast? James Cornish is SVP of international sales and partnerships at Vivo. He’s also a fitness enthusiast who turned his passion into a brilliant community fundraiser for NABS, bringing together people from across adland to compete in the ATHX Games fitness challenge to raise much-needed funds. In this inspirational chat, James – still recovering after undertaking his 24-hour fitness challenge – discusses the brilliant impact of fundraising, not just in terms of money raised, but also on the industry community who come together to take part. Key takeaways: Movement can help you to keep on top of your mental wellness, whether that’s CrossFit or taking a stroll. If you have a passion that you can turn into a fundraiser, other adlanders will want to join you. Tap into your contacts when you want to organise something – you’ll receive lots of help. Resources Got an idea for a community fundraiser for NABS? Email our friendly team at: events@nabs.org.uk NABS x ATHX Games NABS Stranger than Summer NABS Walk and Talk What's on at NABS? Support the show We are NABS. And we're here for you - for the great stuff, the tough stuff and everything in between. As an independent charity, we're set on advancing the mental wellness of our industry and helping everyone find their way forward - wherever they're starting from. 👋 Need a helping hand? We're right here. 🌻 Group workshops or in-house training? Sign up to our sessions. 🤝 Industry events or networking? Check out our calendar. 📞 Sounding board on promotions, redundancies, parental leave - life in general? Here's how we can help. More Find out how you can support NABS Sign up to the NABS newsletter Follow NABS on LinkedIn Watch NABS Talks on YouTube

    • Transcript
  • #40
    January 21 · 28 min

    How I created a community for working parents in advertising

    Got a question for The NABS Podcast? Charlotte Coughlan is managing partner at Leo UK and a mum to two young children. Which makes her super busy – yet impressively she’s still found the time and energy to create Parental Guidance, a mentoring scheme for working parents across adland. Charlotte is passionate about helping other working parents, having been through the mill herself. During Charlotte’s second maternity leave, she was unexpectedly made redundant when the agency she loved working for shut down. In shock, and robbed of the chance to enjoy her last mat leave, Charlotte spent the time juggling the demands of a newborn baby and a four-year-old with finding a new job. Happily, Charlotte is now working at Leo’s, where she founded an internal network, Parentland, to support fellow parents. Wanting to take this a step further, Charlotte has created Parental Guidance (love the name) to connect working parents across the industry for support, advice and cheerleading. In this episode, Charlotte shares: The crushing effects of losing a job during maternity leave – an all-too-common experience What working parents can bring to their businesses How mentoring can support parents’ mental wellness Resources Parentland Parental Guidance NABS Advice Line NABS Walk and Talk Who’s Your Momma Support the show We are NABS. And we're here for you - for the great stuff, the tough stuff and everything in between. As an independent charity, we're set on advancing the mental wellness of our industry and helping everyone find their way forward - wherever they're starting from. 👋 Need a helping hand? We're right here. 🌻 Group workshops or in-house training? Sign up to our sessions. 🤝 Industry events or networking? Check out our calendar. 📞 Sounding board on promotions, redundancies, parental leave - life in general? Here's how we can help. More Find out how you can support NABS Sign up to the NABS newsletter Follow NABS on LinkedIn Watch NABS Talks on YouTube

  • #39
    Dec 10, 2025 · 40 min

    Merry Christmas, it's the Yay List - with James White, Michelle Sarpong and Sue Todd

    Got a question for The NABS Podcast? Get cosy, festive and fundraisy as we celebrate NABS' amazing donor community with the publication of the Yay List, in partnership with Campaign - this year's industry list to be on. Grab an eggnog and a mince pie and settle down for a celebratory chat with top NABS supporters James White and Michelle Sarpong, along with Sue Todd, CEO, NABS. 'Yule' get tips for supporting yourself from now until the New Year from our trio of brilliant industry leaders. Key takeaways include: It's OK to party strategically, or even say no to events if you need to recharge Why NABS' donor community is fundamental to the industry's mental wellness How your organisation can avoid being on Santa's naughty list by supporting NABS Have yourself a wonderful festive break and we'll see you next year for more intimate, supportive and inspiring conversations NABS Yay List NABS Advice Line NABS Stranger than Summer NABS workshops NABS speed mentoring Support the show We are NABS. And we're here for you - for the great stuff, the tough stuff and everything in between. As an independent charity, we're set on advancing the mental wellness of our industry and helping everyone find their way forward - wherever they're starting from. 👋 Need a helping hand? We're right here. 🌻 Group workshops or in-house training? Sign up to our sessions. 🤝 Industry events or networking? Check out our calendar. 📞 Sounding board on promotions, redundancies, parental leave - life in general? Here's how we can help. More Find out how you can support NABS Sign up to the NABS newsletter Follow NABS on LinkedIn Watch NABS Talks on YouTube

    • Transcript
  • #38
    Dec 3, 2025 · 41 min

    From burnout to mental wellness advocate - with Bally and Annabel McCaffrey

    Got a question for The NABS Podcast? Steven Ballinger, known best to the industry as Bally, is chief commercial officer at Astus. He is also a huge advocate for mental wellness after experiencing a breakdown. It's a turnaround for somebody who was raised to carry on, no matter what: he now checks in on himself and his team daily and encourages us all to do the same. Also joining us for this episode is Annabel McCaffrey, head of support, NABS. This episode is part of our Yay List mini series. The Yay List celebrates the brilliant donors who power NABS' purpose, enabling us to carry out our mission - to advance the mental wellness of thousands of people in our industry each year. Key takeaways: There is strength in vulnerability - talking about what's going on for you emotionally. Checking in with yourself is essential and simple - ask yourself daily, how am I feeling? Managers can be a listening ear for their teams and that's how best to give emotional support -the next step is to signpost to NABS. Resources NABS Yay List NABS Walk and Talk NABS All Ears NABS Managers' Mindsets NABS Advice Line Support the show We are NABS. And we're here for you - for the great stuff, the tough stuff and everything in between. As an independent charity, we're set on advancing the mental wellness of our industry and helping everyone find their way forward - wherever they're starting from. 👋 Need a helping hand? We're right here. 🌻 Group workshops or in-house training? Sign up to our sessions. 🤝 Industry events or networking? Check out our calendar. 📞 Sounding board on promotions, redundancies, parental leave - life in general? Here's how we can help. More Find out how you can support NABS Sign up to the NABS newsletter Follow NABS on LinkedIn Watch NABS Talks on YouTube

  • #37
    Nov 25, 2025 · 48 min

    How to lower the stress around pitching (and work) with Rachel Peace

    Got a question for The NABS Podcast? Rachel Peace is the MD of Hearts and Science and a proud dyslexic and neurodivergent leader. Rachel is also, excitingly, the new chair of Fast Forward, NABS' flagship training course that teaches people how to pitch in real time. In this episode, Rachel shares her experience of burnout - a hot topic across adland right now. To this day, Rachel has an active practice to take care of herself to prevent a return of burnout, and she's passionate about modelling the way as a leader to help others do the same. Key takeaways: When you need help, get your ego out of the way and ask for it Know what your red flags are - these are the markers that help you realise when you are struggling Pitching should not be a mystery - often the fear of the unknown causes extra stress to those new to pitching Fast Forward is a brilliant and energising programme for participants and mentors alike - check it out! Resources NABS Fast Forward NABS Managers' Mindsets NABS therapy referral NABS' support for neurodivergent people NABS therapy referral NABS' support for neurodivergent people NABS' support for neurodivergent people Support the show We are NABS. And we're here for you - for the great stuff, the tough stuff and everything in between. As an independent charity, we're set on advancing the mental wellness of our industry and helping everyone find their way forward - wherever they're starting from. 👋 Need a helping hand? We're right here. 🌻 Group workshops or in-house training? Sign up to our sessions. 🤝 Industry events or networking? Check out our calendar. 📞 Sounding board on promotions, redundancies, parental leave - life in general? Here's how we can help. More Find out how you can support NABS Sign up to the NABS newsletter Follow NABS on LinkedIn Watch NABS Talks on YouTube

  • #36
    Nov 19, 2025 · 35 min

    How to survive Q4, from parties to workload, with Davina Barker

    Got a question for The NABS Podcast? Davina Barker, sales director at DCM, gives both clarity and good vibes in this relatable and uplifting conversation. Davina discusses how family life can be a stress as well as a joy; how to reframe work to your children to get them engaged in the joy of having a job; and why and how she and DCM are such great supporters of NABS. As a previous Campaign 40 Over 40 winner, Davina also gives her take on ageism in the industry and how adland could open up even more to older cohorts. Key takeaways: A mental wellness challenge doesn't have to be a huge event - it could be managing the ongoing demands of family life. Reframing work as an escape from challenges at home can be healthy and helpful - you don't have to have all of the answers, all of the time, and your brain needs a break to come up with creative solutions. Be wise about which events you'll attend in Q4 - a strategy is everything to help you use your energy and time well. Links DCM NABS Walk and Talk NABS x ATHX challenge NABS Managers' Mindsets Campaign 40 Over 40 Donate to NABS' Christmas Giving Appeal Support the show We are NABS. And we're here for you - for the great stuff, the tough stuff and everything in between. As an independent charity, we're set on advancing the mental wellness of our industry and helping everyone find their way forward - wherever they're starting from. 👋 Need a helping hand? We're right here. 🌻 Group workshops or in-house training? Sign up to our sessions. 🤝 Industry events or networking? Check out our calendar. 📞 Sounding board on promotions, redundancies, parental leave - life in general? Here's how we can help. More Find out how you can support NABS Sign up to the NABS newsletter Follow NABS on LinkedIn Watch NABS Talks on YouTube

  • #35
    Nov 5, 2025 · 39 min

    How to embrace a better life after burnout - with Hamish Nicklin

    Got a question for The NABS Podcast? Hamish Nicklin is co-founder and CEO of Agent Flow, who build AI solutions that help businesses to grow. Hamish Nicklin is a life force and one of the industry’s best-known names, having held senior positions at Dentsu Media UK, Guardian Media and Google. He is also a trustee of NABS and pulls no punches when describing how vital NABS is to adland, and why everybody needs to donate to keep NABS’ vital work going. Hamish is exuberant throughout, even when discussing the burnout that led to him reevaluating his life and ultimately changing him forever. If you want to feel cheered up and supported, this is the episode for you. Key takeaways: Your upbringing can contribute to burnout – at some point, the values you were taught as a child may crash into the realties you’re dealing with as an adult. Therapy can help you to unlock what’s going on. Take the time to find the right therapy for you – for Hamish, it was about finding practical solutions after understanding his past. Don’t fear AI. Instead, learn to vibe code and play around with the technology. Resources: NABS Managers’ Mindsets NABS therapy referral NABS Stranger than Summer The Yay List Support the show We are NABS. And we're here for you - for the great stuff, the tough stuff and everything in between. As an independent charity, we're set on advancing the mental wellness of our industry and helping everyone find their way forward - wherever they're starting from. 👋 Need a helping hand? We're right here. 🌻 Group workshops or in-house training? Sign up to our sessions. 🤝 Industry events or networking? Check out our calendar. 📞 Sounding board on promotions, redundancies, parental leave - life in general? Here's how we can help. More Find out how you can support NABS Sign up to the NABS newsletter Follow NABS on LinkedIn Watch NABS Talks on YouTube

  • #34
    Oct 22, 2025 · 34 min

    Being authentic and Gen Z in adland - with Beth Sutherland

    Got a question for The NABS Podcast? Beth Sutherland is associate director of programmatic services at Essence MediaCom and vice-president of Bloom North, the organisation for women in adland in the north of England. In this insightful conversation, Beth discusses the mental wellness transformation behind her successful career, going from someone reaching to external validation to someone working for goals that align with her true values. A young and successful adlander, Beth also gives insight into how to strengthen relationships between Gen Z and more senior colleagues, as well as the power of community in supporting mental wellness and personal and professional success. Key takeaways Therapy can be transformative for personal growth, even in the early stages of your career. Gen Z prioritise mental wellness and learn effectively through social media: when you understand how to put this into practice, you can build bridges with this cohort. It's okay to be sensitive and emotional in the workplace. Resources Bloom North NABS All Ears NABS Managers' Mindsets NABS Speed Mentoring NABS therapy referral NABS Walk and Talk Support the show We are NABS. And we're here for you - for the great stuff, the tough stuff and everything in between. As an independent charity, we're set on advancing the mental wellness of our industry and helping everyone find their way forward - wherever they're starting from. 👋 Need a helping hand? We're right here. 🌻 Group workshops or in-house training? Sign up to our sessions. 🤝 Industry events or networking? Check out our calendar. 📞 Sounding board on promotions, redundancies, parental leave - life in general? Here's how we can help. More Find out how you can support NABS Sign up to the NABS newsletter Follow NABS on LinkedIn Watch NABS Talks on YouTube

    • Transcript
  • #33
    Oct 8, 2025 · 43 min

    How to put your values first for your wellness and your work- with Tom Tapper

    Got a question for The NABS Podcast? Tom Tapper is the co-founder and CEO of Nice and Serious, a B Corp-certified creative agency committed to only making work the world needs. He joins us for a special live episode recorded at the Festival of Happiness in November 2024. Tom discussed his agency’s ethical approach to work, including how his team uses the Moral Compass to decide whether briefs fit the agency’s ethos, and how this approach helps to support mental wellness – alongside other emotional support actions at Nice and Serious. Tom also opens up about the challenge of being a new dad and how he found solace through community. Key takeaways: When leaders discuss their mental wellness challenges, it encourages others to seek emotional support A Moral Compass framework is good for morale, creativity and mental wellness as well as an ethical approach Early parenthood is really hard so reach out as early as you can for support Resources mentioned in this episode: NABS All Ears https://nabs.org.uk/about/impact/all-ears/ NABS Managers' Mindsets https://nabs.org.uk/training/managers-mindsets/ Nice and Serious https://niceandserious.com/ Moral Compass https://moralcompass.app/ Support the show We are NABS. And we're here for you - for the great stuff, the tough stuff and everything in between. As an independent charity, we're set on advancing the mental wellness of our industry and helping everyone find their way forward - wherever they're starting from. 👋 Need a helping hand? We're right here. 🌻 Group workshops or in-house training? Sign up to our sessions. 🤝 Industry events or networking? Check out our calendar. 📞 Sounding board on promotions, redundancies, parental leave - life in general? Here's how we can help. More Find out how you can support NABS Sign up to the NABS newsletter Follow NABS on LinkedIn Watch NABS Talks on YouTube

    • Transcript
  • #32
    Sep 24, 2025 · 46 min

    How to back yourself and keep positive with The Media Lad

    Got a question for The NABS Podcast? The Media Lad is loved throughout adland for his funny takes on the industry as well as his insights into where we're doing brilliantly, and where we can work together to make things better. He champions those underrepresented in the industry and in his own life has come through tough times to be a practical and positive force for good. You'll never know his real name, but you'll be inspired by what he has to say. Key takeaways Positive thinking and resilience can help you to realise that there's always a solution to a challenge We need camaraderie or friendship to survive, so always make time to help people Let's celebrate the people in our industry who don't always get the shout-outs they deserve Resources How to give no f**ks to boost your self-esteem - NABS Podcast with Amy Kean Media Lad Instagram account NABS event calendar NABS training NABS Managers' Mindsets NABS Resilience training NABS Personal Brand training Support the show We are NABS. And we're here for you - for the great stuff, the tough stuff and everything in between. As an independent charity, we're set on advancing the mental wellness of our industry and helping everyone find their way forward - wherever they're starting from. 👋 Need a helping hand? We're right here. 🌻 Group workshops or in-house training? Sign up to our sessions. 🤝 Industry events or networking? Check out our calendar. 📞 Sounding board on promotions, redundancies, parental leave - life in general? Here's how we can help. More Find out how you can support NABS Sign up to the NABS newsletter Follow NABS on LinkedIn Watch NABS Talks on YouTube

  • #31
    Jul 16, 2025 · 36 min

    Caregiving in adland: Ben Waters' devoted double life

    Got a question for The NABS Podcast? Caregiving in adland: Ben Waters' devoted double life Ben Waters is a producer at Mother and a caregiver for his partner. He also founded and runs the caregivers’ support group at Mother, which meets regularly for support and chats in an informal setting. Ben is absolutely brilliant and down-to-earth and talks about caregiving in such a relatable way, acknowledging that it took him too long to seek support – but he’s so glad that he did. He’s made use of both the NABS Advice Line and NABS’ therapy referral service and now extols the virtues of both to everyone in need at Mother and beyond. Key takeaways: If you’re a caregiver, you must find a way to carve out time and support for yourself Being open about your caregiving status can help to bust any stigmas you might be worried about Support groups are surprisingly easy to set up, yet they can be so rewarding for all involved. Resources: NABS Advice Line NABS therapy referral NABS’ Managers’ Mindsets Carers' Week Ben's article in The Media Leader 'Adland Cares' Support the show We are NABS. And we're here for you - for the great stuff, the tough stuff and everything in between. As an independent charity, we're set on advancing the mental wellness of our industry and helping everyone find their way forward - wherever they're starting from. 👋 Need a helping hand? We're right here. 🌻 Group workshops or in-house training? Sign up to our sessions. 🤝 Industry events or networking? Check out our calendar. 📞 Sounding board on promotions, redundancies, parental leave - life in general? Here's how we can help. More Find out how you can support NABS Sign up to the NABS newsletter Follow NABS on LinkedIn Watch NABS Talks on YouTube

    • Transcript
  • #30
    Jun 10, 2025 · 41 min

    How to support someone through grief with Gen Kobayashi

    Got a question for The NABS Podcast? Gen Kobayashi is UK group chief strategy officer at M+C Saatchi. Gen also knows the pain of bereavement first-hand, as he sadly lost his sister-in-law to cancer. Gen is a key industry voice on grief and bereavement. In this beautiful conversation he shares the profound impact of loss on his family. Gen explores what true support looks like, and shares why grief made him take a proper break from work for the first time ever. Both Gen and Louise have experienced bereavement over the past few years, making this a heartfelt and empathetic conversation. They discuss how best to support team members who are grieving, sharing practical tips as well as emotional insights. Need some grief support after listening to this? Call the NABS Advice Line for a listening ear. Key takeaways: Take time to understand what the bereaved person needs Replace platitudes with active listening and genuine empathy Look after yourself too when you’re supporting someone going through grief. Resources NABS Managers’ Mindsets NABS grief page Caroline Parkes’ post about grief Gen’s piece for Campaign about grief NABS Advice Line Support the show We are NABS. And we're here for you - for the great stuff, the tough stuff and everything in between. As an independent charity, we're set on advancing the mental wellness of our industry and helping everyone find their way forward - wherever they're starting from. 👋 Need a helping hand? We're right here. 🌻 Group workshops or in-house training? Sign up to our sessions. 🤝 Industry events or networking? Check out our calendar. 📞 Sounding board on promotions, redundancies, parental leave - life in general? Here's how we can help. More Find out how you can support NABS Sign up to the NABS newsletter Follow NABS on LinkedIn Watch NABS Talks on YouTube

  • #29
    May 12, 2025 · 39 min

    How to manage your team's mental wellness - and your own. With Sue Todd, CEO, NABS

    Got a question for The NABS Podcast? How to manage your team's mental wellness - and your own, with Sue Todd, CEO, NABS Sue Todd is the CEO of NABS, the industry's charity, helping everybody to move forward. She's not just in charge of adland's mental wellness; she's also responsible for the mental wellness of the NABS team. To mark Mental Health Awareness Week (12-18 May), Sue comes onto the NABS podcast for the first time to talk about community, meditation, the menopause and more. Key takeaways: Employers have to do as much as they can to support those going through perimenopause, especially as the support isn't always out there in the wider world Meditation doesn't have to be woo-woo, there's a way to do it that helps to separate you from your thoughts Community is vital for us - there's real value in learning together and from each other, for example in NABS' Explore and Connect sessions Resources mentioned in this episode: WACL Mental Health Awareness Week NABS Explore and Connect sessions Walk and Talk for NABS MEFA All In Census IPA People First Promise NABS Advice Line NABS Managers’ Mindsets NABS All Ears community consultation Support the show We are NABS. And we're here for you - for the great stuff, the tough stuff and everything in between. As an independent charity, we're set on advancing the mental wellness of our industry and helping everyone find their way forward - wherever they're starting from. 👋 Need a helping hand? We're right here. 🌻 Group workshops or in-house training? Sign up to our sessions. 🤝 Industry events or networking? Check out our calendar. 📞 Sounding board on promotions, redundancies, parental leave - life in general? Here's how we can help. More Find out how you can support NABS Sign up to the NABS newsletter Follow NABS on LinkedIn Watch NABS Talks on YouTube

  • #28
    Mar 19, 2025 · 35 min

    How to make a big impact without burnout, with Bianca Best

    Got a question for The NABS Podcast? How to make a big impact without burnout, with Bianca Best Bianca Best knows about burnout - she experienced it, and has now written a book on how to avoid burnout while making an impact at work. Bianca is an adland powerhouse, a solo mum of four (five if you include her dog), a coach and a speaker, so she certainly knows about fulfilling your potential without damaging your mental wellness. Having got to the burnout point some years ago, Bianca knows how to bring yourself back from the edge of burnout, and how to avoid it in future. Key takeaways: There are four elements to burnout: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual The first step in overcoming burnout is to acknowledge any shame you have around it Ambition is a good thing that can exist alongside your mental wellness Resources mentioned in this episode Bianca's website Big Impact Without Burnout NABS Advice Line NABS Managers' Mindsets NABS on burnout in Marketing Week: here and here NABS on burnout in Campaign Support the show We are NABS. And we're here for you - for the great stuff, the tough stuff and everything in between. As an independent charity, we're set on advancing the mental wellness of our industry and helping everyone find their way forward - wherever they're starting from. 👋 Need a helping hand? We're right here. 🌻 Group workshops or in-house training? Sign up to our sessions. 🤝 Industry events or networking? Check out our calendar. 📞 Sounding board on promotions, redundancies, parental leave - life in general? Here's how we can help. More Find out how you can support NABS Sign up to the NABS newsletter Follow NABS on LinkedIn Watch NABS Talks on YouTube

    • Transcript
  • #27
    Mar 4, 2025 · 55 min

    How we created a dads' community at work, with Ben Irons & Joe Dolan of Microsoft Advertising

    Got a question for The NABS Podcast? TW: premature birth; miscarriage How we created a dads' community at work, with Ben Irons and Joe Dolan of Microsoft Advertising Ben Irons and Joe Dolan are advertising leaders, coaches and working dads. Together they run Dads at Microsoft, a group that supports dads - and mums - across the world in the company. The group's listening circles are where parents come together for advice and support seasoned with good humour, which makes sense because Ben and Joe are definitely a good laugh as well as being very serious about the need for practical support for working parents. In this lively chat we cover a range of subjects that will resonate with all parents and managers of parents. Key takeaways: How to run a listening circle for parents in your workplace - you don't need all the answers - but someone else in the group might have them; Role modelling is key, as is communication, when creating solutions to help your work-life blend; and Self-care isn't selfish, it's a must-have when you're a parent. Resources mentioned in this episode Joe's LinkedIn Ben's LinkedIn NABS Managers' Mindsets NABS Advice Line Bliss charity for parents of premature and sick babies Miscarriage Association Support the show We are NABS. And we're here for you - for the great stuff, the tough stuff and everything in between. As an independent charity, we're set on advancing the mental wellness of our industry and helping everyone find their way forward - wherever they're starting from. 👋 Need a helping hand? We're right here. 🌻 Group workshops or in-house training? Sign up to our sessions. 🤝 Industry events or networking? Check out our calendar. 📞 Sounding board on promotions, redundancies, parental leave - life in general? Here's how we can help. More Find out how you can support NABS Sign up to the NABS newsletter Follow NABS on LinkedIn Watch NABS Talks on YouTube

    • Transcript
Showing 1–20 of 21 episodes